Some quick things to note if your getting into a Mixed Reality kit:
1) There is no "mixed reality" content available yet.. a year after it launched

2) Unless your using it with a laptop, you will need to buy a bluetooth adaptor yourself. They don't mention it as something you will need.. but you do. Thankfully I had been reading up on it in forums and discovered I would need one, so was prepared.
This is the generic one I got and it works fine.

3) Batteries. Buy a set of rechargeable AA batteries. the controllers drain them very fast.. especially(I suspect) since theres no off switch on them.

4) I'm mostly interested in sculpting and painting..not so much in gaming in VR(yet.. I am a PC and mobile gamer..so its possible that I might like VR gaming too)

Sunday, October 14, 2018

There are two kinds of modelling workflow you need to consider. Forget about what is the best "big brand" or free vs payed.. thats not something that should affect your decision on what kind of modelling you want to do.

Of the two methods I'm going to explain.. 1 one may work well with your existing skills.. and2 or you may prefer the other which will give you the complexity which is what I think you might be really looking for.

You decide. You might windup using both at some point, so its best to try both of them(or at least read up on both).

1)Solid Modelling and Surface Modelling(detailed description - Solid modeling ..surface modelling has a simillar workflow)In programs like Rhino, Inventor, AutoCAD (and solidworks and others) once can model objects by inputting precise measurements and geometric parameters. Eg: if you want to build an organic arch out of steel rods like this

​Portal of Awareness, An Arch Made Out of Coffee Cups in Mexico City

You would input the length of the rods, and a few simple parameters for the bends.. all these parameters can be easily translated to the real world.. when you have to get down to actually constructing it.. or give an instruction manual to someone else.

However with this method you will be limited by the rules of geometry.. and only very experienced modelers are able to use this method to create something as complex as a fluid form one would sculpt out of clay.

2)Mesh Modelling commonly called 3D modelling in Computer graphics

This method is typically used in programs like Maya, 3DsMax, Blender(Zbrush and Sculptris use a different workflow but are more compatible with mesh modelling programs than solid modelling ones).

A mesh model consists of vertices, edges, and faces that use polygonal representation (including triangles and quads) to define a 3D shape.

You can then modify mesh models in ways that are not available for 3D solids or surfaces. For example you can apply creases, splits, and increasing levels of smoothness. You can drag mesh subobjects (faces, edges, and vertices) to deform the object. Clay like sculpting is achievable and is usually done with Zbrush or Sculptris(free) .. Blender also has a sculpt mode thats fairly good.

Example from one of my old projects: A wildlife photographer and a product designer sent me this picture of an otter..

​They needed me to create a model of it that could be 3d printed and used to create a cast for some teracotta clay statues people can put in their garden ponds/fountains..

Because I used Blender.. I was able to make multiple iterations to the design and get it all done in days.

Saturday, October 13, 2018

Heres what you can do.. to maximise efficiency and avoid wasting time.. Depending on your learning speed this could be achieved in anything like a few weeks ..

..to a year.

Step 1.

Download Blender.Don’t open it.

Step 2.

What kind of cool 3d stuff do you want to model?

example if its a spacecraft - do a few sketches or look at other spacecraft designs to get inspired and base your design on.eg:is it a spacecraft from the Star Trek universe or the Battlestar Galactica Universe?is it a cyberpunk or steampunk or retro style craft?is it a realistic craft that someone like NASA might have built?is it alien made?

create a folder.. name it “refrence” and save images and sketches of spaceships you like.

Step 3.

By now a newer version of Blender might have released.. download and install it.

Open blender. Do not model a space craft.

Thats like a baby trying to drive a car before learning to walk.

But seriously, the problem with making a really ambitious project your first ever 3d project is that when you fail(99% guaranteed) you will be demoralized and give up too soon.

Instead go to step 4.

Step 4.

Open Blender, model a nut and bolt. feel good and confident, close blender, walk away.. go grab a beer(if you don’t drink, go do whatever you do to reward yourself).

Step 5.

Open Blender, model a pipe.. a metal pipe.. fix the nut and bolt onto it.. continue to build a bicycle. feel good and confident, close blender, walk away.. go grab a beer.

Step 6.

Google:

“How to do lighting in Blender”

“What is Global Illumination?”

“Global Illumination in Blender”

“Metal textures and materials in Blender”

“plastic textures and materials in Blender”

“glass textures and materials in Blender”

“how to render in blender”

Step 7.

Open Blender, open your bicycle file. add materials and lighting to the file.. render it. feel good and confident, close blender, walk away.. go grab a beer.

Step 8.

repeat this process with cars, trucks.. and then.. feel good and confident, close blender, walk away.. go grab a beer.

Thursday, September 27, 2018

As far as I know I've been on whatever passes for a DND list in India.. Its upto my service provider Idea to make sure i don't get unsolicited calls..
Here's a perfect reason for them to take it more seriously!Listen to the call I got -

Search This Blog

Tutorials and Making Of Videos

Live Streams

About Me

I traveled a lot while growing up, and so now i prefer to stay in one place most of the time. I love Dogs(and most pets) and have a great Dog called Mulan. Gaming is my favorite pastime, but i'm not addicted to it. I am addicted to TV and comics :)

I enjoy working with my hands, working on 3d forms, objects... always have. which is probably why i do a lot of 3d modelling at work and outside of work. I also like to draw and sketch.. on notebooks or on my phone.